Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho fulfilling his childhood dreams

Paulinho is fulfilling his dream by going to the World Cup with Brazil and will have plenty of friends cheering him on this summer.

The former Corinthians midfielder has not forgotten his childhood friends who he use to play football with and whilst he is now playing professional, he still keeps in touch with them all.

It will be those friends plus millions of other Brazilian that will hope to roar Brazil onto World Cup success next month.

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder told the official club website: “It’s my dream to go to the World Cup and now I have my big chance. I’ve taken things step-by-step and now I have a great opportunity.

“I played when I was younger with my friends and now they’re some of my biggest fans. They say ‘I’m happy for you because you’re a player for Brazil. Before, when we were young, you played with us and now you’re playing at a World Cup,’ so it’s incredible.

“They don’t play football now but they’re still good friends of mine.”

Paulinho is also eager to represent his country in a home World Cup and help them achieve glory.

He concluded: “It’s going to be great to represent Brazil in Brazil. I’m happy to stay in the squad and now I have to enjoy it and to help the Brazil team.”